Newtrition, the human nutrition brand of German chemicals company BASF, has launched the sixth grant call for its science-based innovation research program, the Newtrition Asia Research Grant.
The program aims to fund and support academics in Asia Pacific to study nutritional topics that will advance research relevant to diet and health for consumers in this region.
For the first time, under the theme of “Beyond Basic Nutrition,” the research will center on three focus areas: cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and physical function and mobility. Potential projects will study the relationship between functional ingredients and those focus health areas. This is a change from the previous focus on ingredients only, to ensure that the grant continues to stay relevant to consumers’ evolving nutrition needs and health demands.
“Rapid economic development and urbanization have brought about a nutritional transition in Asia as well as epidemiological changes. We have seen a shift from nutrient deficiencies to a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases,” said Tina Low, vice president for Global Business Management of BASF Human Nutrition.
“The Newtrition Asia Research Grant is an excellent platform for us to team up with academics in the region, to delve deeper into how we can play a part in overcoming these health challenges,” she added.
Proposals will be evaluated and selected by an expert panel, which includes eminent academics and key opinion leaders in human nutrition. Five researchers will be awarded up to €40,000 (about P2.5 million) each and given 18 months to work on their respective projects.
All proposals must be submitted by May 31. Recipients of the grant will be announced in the third quarter of the year.
Detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements and other information about the program are available at www.basf.com/newtrition-asia-research-grant or by email at newtrition-research-grant@basf.com.